Collision 2: The door prize
For all you cyclists gearing up for the Commuter Challenge in June, here is the second tip in our Collision Series to show you real ways you can get hit and real ways to avoid being hit.
A driver opens his door right in front of you. You run right into it if you can’t stop in time. Many cyclists make the mistake of riding too close to parked cars. This is extremely dangerous. Section 203 of the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act states: “A person must not open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.” Unfortunately, most motorists aren’t aware of this law.
Ride to the left. Ride far enough to the left that you won’t run into any door that’s opened unexpectedly. You may be wary about riding so far into the lane that cars can’t pass you easily, but you’re more likely to get doored by a parked car if you ride too close to it than you are to get hit from behind by a car which can clearly see you.
Article submitted by Beverley J. Anderson on behalf of the Williams Lake Commuter Challenge Committee. For more information on Clean Air Week and the Commuter Challenge, please visit www.breatheaasywilliamslake.org.